Guard played through plantar fasciitis pain in both feet

When Tom Thibodeau consistently defended C.J. Watson's postseason struggles by saying the guard was playing through pain, most assumed the coach referred to Watson's lingering elbow and ankle injuries.

Instead, Watson also played through plantar fasciitis in both feet that forced him to undergo an outpatient procedure Thursday morning.

"It was hard," Watson said by phone. "I couldn't do all the things that I'm usually capable of doing. But I knew with Derrick (Rose) out, I had to give the team what I could."

It's the second straight summer Watson has undergone a procedure to address the painful condition. Watson had shock wave therapy performed, which basically is controlled blasts of sound waves designed to break up the damaged tissue.

Both Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson used the procedure in 2010 and neither have had issues since. Watson said he also had platelet-rich plasma therapy performed, wherein doctors took blood from another part of his body and injected it into his feet in an attempt to accelerate healing.

"I can lift weights, but they said I can't do any running or jumping for four to six weeks," Watson said.

Watson shot 24.1 percent while starting five of the Bulls' six playoff games in relief of Rose, who tore his left anterior cruciate ligament in Game 1 of the 76ers' series. The Bulls have until July 10 to decide whether to pick up Watson's $3.2 million team option.

"(Management) said they would keep me and my agent updated," Watson said. "I have no expectations either way. I'd like to be back."